Summary

On 9 April 2008, the crew of a McDonnell Douglas Helicopter
Company MD369ER helicopter registered VH-PLU, experienced a
substantial loss of engine power while conducting low-level
powerline stringing operations. The helicopter impacted the ground
and was seriously damaged. The two occupants were seriously
injured.

The investigation determined that the pilot in command was
operating the helicopter with a fuel tank quantity that did not
guarantee continuous operation of the engine at the flight
attitudes experienced during the powerline stringing operation.

As a result of the accident, the operator revised its fuel
management procedures for powerline stringing operations.